Shamel Bratton #1 All Time leading Midfield point scorer has been dismissed by Coach Starsia from VIrginia Lacrosse team and will play no further part in the 2011 season.

I think this is a good decision as lacrosse is a TEAM sport and some players think they are bigger than the team, Coach Starsia has made a decision and it will be interesting to see if the team responds positively

Look on the bright side, and I'm sure most of the UVA players are; other players will be able to impose themselves on the game now. Steele Stanwick from X has the ability to pick apart a defense in a very old-fashioned way, and Chris Bocklet is a classic crease finisher. Maybe this signals a change of method all through the top of NCAA; away from the clear-out and top-stick drive to goal, and return to fundamentals of team lacrosse with snappy passing and close-in shooting.

What did Shamel actually do? I've watched the videos on inside lacrosse etc and read articles just seems to say he "broke team rules" or some crap like that. But everyone on the forums are calling him arrogant, hot headed etc.

Seems passionate if u ask me, though he wasn't on top form, Doubtful for Rammels game time till end of season.

Hickey, there's nothing specific mentioned in any reports, but there are hints at being unwilling to accept team rules. There's probably a connection to last year's issues in the Coach insisting on exemplary behaviour now.The reports also state that a meeting/discussion/vote of the players was the deciding factor in Shamel's removal from the team. The Coach and University have distanced themselves from any litigation (they hope).Imagine if you could be removed from CCC's lacrosse club for wanting to have a couple of beers after a game? Just demonstrates the culture difference between NCAA Div 1 and BUCs/SEMLA E3.

UKLaxfan wrote:Shamel Bratton #1 All Time leading Midfield point scorer has been dismissed by Coach Starsia from VIrginia Lacrosse team and will play no further part in the 2011 season.I think this is a good decision as lacrosse is a TEAM sport and some players think they are bigger than the team, Coach Starsia has made a decision and it will be interesting to see if the team responds positively

thoughts?

After closing down Rob Pannell yesterday, and all that has gone before, the Coach is a living legend.

After watching the games over the weekend I would have to say that the removal of the Brats definitely made Virginia a better team, Although I think they need to keep Colin Briggs if the Brats are gone for good. (any reasons for his suspension on saturday?)Without any of the three they would not pose much of a threat from the midfield.

Comparing how they played this weekend with earlier in the season is like chalk & cheese and I found the new style much more enjoyable to watch! Real lacrosse rather than one huge threat that does not posses any real lacrosse skills! (controversial but true!)

The rejuvenated Virginia along with Maryland (Maryland especially) played some great lacrosse this year and hopefully this will see other teams move away from the huge/fast dodger who just drives the alley and shoots!

I was routing for Maryland throughout because in the games I watched through the season they played the most exciting lacrosse and it was a breath of fresh air seeing all the work that had put into working off ball (screens & picks) to get open, Although I was happy for Virginia after a terrible few years.

Yes I would hae liked a few more goals in all the games but at least there is hope that real lacrosse is making a comeback!!